TOTE leads the industry in innovative initiatives that benefit the environment, people and communities we serve. Our environmental commitment focuses on capital investments that lead to measurable improvements in the air we breathe and waters we sail.

We also strive to provide environmental organizations and TOTE colleagues the resources to make a real difference. TOTE’s commitment to our marine environment is carried out each day by the hundreds of dedicated employees at each of our operating companies.

The International Maritime Organization designated the coastlines of North America as an Emission Control Area in 2010, imposing new emissions standards on the shipping industry. To go above and beyond these regulations, TOTE saw this as an opportunity to lead the industry by investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine technology for its fleet. 

TOTE launched the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containerships in 2015 for the Marlin Class Vessels serving Puerto Rico. In the spring of 2023, TOTE Maritime Alaska successfully commissioned both vessels, MV Midnight Sun and MV North Star to run on dual-fuel LNG. This historic project finalized TOTE's commitment to operating the most environmentally innovative fleets in markets we serve.

The use of LNG as a maritime fuel results in significant emissions reductions and an improvement in overall air quality. Specifically, LNG results in less particulate matter, SOx and NOx – which the American Lung Association indicates can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular disease, can cause chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung inflammation and emphysema, and can lead to cancer.